The Supreme Court on Monday asked the Centre and the Jammu & Kashmir administration, to file a detailed reply on the petitions challenging the abrogation of Article 370 and said that both of these should make all endeavours to restore normalcy in Kashmir, as soon as possible.
A bench of the Apex Court, headed by Chief Justice (CJI) Ranjan Gogoi, issued notice to the Centre on MDMK leader Vaiko’s plea for release of NC leader Farooq Abdullah, who is in preventive custody.
The Court also allowed former J&K CM and six-time MP Ghulam Nabi Azad to visit Srinagar, Anantnag, Baramulla and Jammu, to inquire about the plight of daily wagers, who depend on tourism and fruit production.
Azad, in his petition, pleaded to the Apex Court that he would not indulge in any political activity or hold rallies in the state. Anuradha Bhasin, another petitioner in the case, told the SC that it seems there is no media freedom in J&K.
Justice S A Bobde said if the problem is local, go to the HC. It will be simpler.
Vrinda Grover, lawyer appearing for Bhasin, told the SC that this is done by the Union of India. ‘No mobile or public transport, how will we communicate or travel?,’ she asked. Raju Ramachandran, senior advocate appearing for Sitaram Yechury, said J&K CPIM leader Yousuf Tarigami was brought to Delhi for treatment and he was staying in the J&K guest house.
‘If there is no order of detention against him, let him be free to move on his own,’ Mr Ramachandran said. “If required, I will go and personally check,” CJI Gogoi said on Monday.
He further said that he may personally visit Jammu and Kashmir to see whether litigants there have real difficulties in approaching the courts.The SC, after hearing all the petitions, fixed the matter for further hearing to September 30. (UNI)
